Practice All police officials Enrol in training programmes to improve your skills in first aid; self-defence; the use of defensive equipment; the use of non-lethal instruments; the use of firearms; crowd behaviour; conflict resolution and personal stress management. Acquire and practice the use of shields, defensive vests, helmets and non-lethal instruments. Acquire, practice and use a range of means for the differentiated use of force, including non-lethal incapacitating weapons. Participate in stress counselling activities. Carefully store and secure all firearms issued to you. Assume that every firearm is loaded. Study and employ techniques for persuasion, mediation and negotiation. Plan in advance for the gradual progressive use of force, beginning with non-violent means. Be alert to the physical and mental state of your colleagues and intervene where necessary to see that they receive appropriate care, counselling or training. Command and supervisory officials Establish and enforce clear standing orders on the use of force and firearms. Provide regular training in first aid; self defence; the use of defensive equipment; the use of non-lethal weapons; the use of firearms; crowd behaviour; conflict resolution; stress management; persuasion, mediation and negotiation. Acquire and issue defensive equipment, including helmets, shields, bullet-proof vests, gas masks and bullet-proof vehicles. Acquire and issue non-lethal incapacitating and crowd dispersal instruments. Acquire the broadest possible range of means for the differentiated use of force. Provide for periodic assessments of officers to gauge on a continuous basis their mental and physical health and suitability to judge the need for and use of force and firearms. Provide stress counselling for all officers involved in the use of force. Establish clear reporting guidelines for every incidence of the use of force and firearms. Strictly regulate the control, storage and issue of firearms, including procedures for ensuring that officers are accountable for arms and ammunition issued to them. Prohibit the use of weapons and ammunition that cause unwarranted injury, damage or risk. Periodically check to ensure that only officially issued weapons and ammunition are being carried by officers. Provide for appropriate sanctions against any officer found in possession of non-official issue materials (especially such items as fragmentation, hollow-point or dum-dum bullets). Develop strategies to reduce the risk of officers being forced to use firearms. 96